Louis van Gaal is a dark horse. We rather suspect that he likes to throw the media off the scent as to who he wants to sign.
Many were scratching their heads after Manchester United lost out on Dani Alves and passed up the opportunity to sign Nathaniel Clyne.
But, while we have all been discussing those guys and Seamus Coleman, Manchester United have apparently been putting the finishing touches to a deal for another player entirely.
Sky reports today:
Manchester United have agreed a fee with Torino for Italy international right-back Matteo Darmian, according to Sky Italia sources.
The report states that the haggling has been going on for some time and that Manchester United have already had two bids rejected before they got to a mutually acceptable fee of around 18m Euros.
Darmian is right-footed but can play on either flank. He stands at a decent 6ft which gives him some aerial presence and he offers the sort of composure that we haven’t always seen from Antonio Valencia and Rafa Da Silva over the last few years.
At 25 the lad has played 13 times for Italy. He’s been a regular starter in the national side since his debut last year. He may not have quite the athleticism of a Clyne but he still loves to get forward and is known for making slaloming runs, with great technique, up the park. This is far more than just a bread and butter defender.
Let’s take a look at him in action. Manchester United fans: a good potential signing?
